TEMPLE OF LITERATURE HANOI
Temple Of Literature Hanoi. This is Vietnam's first university complex. It is not only a cultural and historical relic but also a popular place for students to pray for luck with their impending examinations and academics.
Temple Of Literature Hanoi Information:
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi City
The opening hours: From 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Entrance fee: 70.000 VND
The Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, is a must-see cultural and historical site on every Hanoi vacation. This area will amaze you with its grandeur and calm. Here, you will better grasp Vietnam's progress from the beginning.
The Temple of Literature is located near four main streets: Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ton Duc Thang, Van Mieu, and Quoc Tu Giam. You can easily approach the temple from any region of Hanoi. You may either check up the instructions on Google Maps and drive here yourself, or you can book a car using a local hailing app like Grab or Gojek. Bus numbers 2, 23, 38, 25, and 4 all stop near the shrine.
The history of The Temple Of Literature Hanoi:
Emperor Ly Thanh Tong erected the Temple of Literature in 1070 to honor the Chinese scholar Confucius. It thus became Vietnam's first university, also known as the Imperial Academy. Until the colonial period, it had been open for almost 700 years, educating hundreds of eminent academics and mandarins. Despite the devastation of war, the shrine has maintained its architectural and cultural splendor.
The Temple of Literature is encircled by brick walls and has an area of approximately 54,000 square meters. It features five courtyards, or zones, with diverse architecture.
Upon entering the first courtyard via the Great Middle Gate, you are instantly immersed in a fresh and green atmosphere.
There is a fish motif on top of the gate. According to tradition, the gods held an annual fish tournament in which those who could leap over the most powerful sea waves and land on the other side would become formidable dragons. The fish represent students. Passing all of the tests requires careful study and never giving up.
Despite its small size, the Pavilion of Constellation has harmonious and attractive proportions. This architectural work comprises four brick pillars that support the higher timber construction. The main building features four circular doors, railings, and a roof. The pavilion is also a symbol of Hanoi, with its image engraved on the 100,000 VND banknote of Vietnam.
The Well of Heavenly Clarity is a patio with a square pond. In a corner, several stone turtles are bearing massive stelae. These stelae glorify Confucianism and former rulers, outline each dynasty's ideology, and provide information about examinations and academics.
The fourth courtyard, also known as the "Gate to Great Success" in Vietnamese, has a majestic House of Ceremonies and a Confucian sanctuary. Crimson columns and wooden ceilings adorned with ancient lamps are the focal points of this region.
The fifth courtyard has a massive two-story structure. The first level has a monument of the Imperial Academy's first rector, Chu Van An. He was an excellent teacher who committed his life to education. The second level is devoted to the three kings who made the most significant contributions to the academy's founding and upkeep.
Who is the Ly Thanh Tong Emperor?
Emperor Ly Thanh Ton (1054–1072):
King Lý Thanh Ton granted the nation "The Great Yue" instead of "Dai Co Viet" as King Dinh Tien Hoang had selected. According to Vietnamese history, he was a compassionate monarch who cared for his people.
I'm still chilly when dressed this way. How do people, particularly the impoverished, survive this terrible weather when we know they don't have enough money to feed themselves? We need to provide them with more food and warm clothes right now.
During a session with his daughter, Princess Dong Thien, he addressed his mandarins and said:
I have a great affection for my people, just as I have for my kids. Unfortunately, individuals are so uninformed that they will not cease committing mistakes. That is why I feel sorry for them. Please decrease the sanctions and penalties issued.
According to Vietnamese academic Hoang Xuan Han, this compassion toward his people is not a politician's deceit, but rather a reflection of his charity derived from Buddhism. King Ly Thanh Ton was one of the first followers of the Zhen branch "Thao Duong," which was created in the Khai Quoc Pagoda in Thang Long. It was also he who intended to further the area of literary art by erecting sculptures of Confucius and the Duke of Zhou, as well as the 72 sages, to honor them.
This Confucian academy was the earliest imperial institution, with the first pupil enrolling at the age of five. It was the crown prince Ly Can Duc, or the future monarch Ly Nhan Tong. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong built an architectural complex called "Sons of the Nation (Quoc Tu Giam)" in the capital Thăng Long, inspired by King Lý Thanh Ton's desire to educate kings and their descendants. This was done to develop bright men for the nation.
"The Complete Historical Memoirs of Great Viet" describes Ly Thanh Ton as a "perfect" ruler. He was the oldest son of King Ly Thai Tong and Queen Kiem Thien (Mai Thi), and his birth name became Ly Nhat Ton. He was born on March 30, 1023, and died on February 1, 1072, at the age of 48, having ruled for 17 years. When he was still a prince, the king-father permitted him to dwell at Long Duc Palace. At the age of 15, his father made him generalissimo. He then accompanied the latter on a military operation against the rebels at Lam Tay (Lai Chau), which ended in triumph.
At the age of 17, his father-king entrusted him with the authority to put down Nung Ton Phuc's uprising in Cao Bang. in the age of 18, his father appointed him to handle all of the state's judicial matters and set up his court in the Quang Vu palace. This is why he was aware of the people's troubles and suffering. He attempted to settle problems not just by strict regulations, but also with compassion and kindness, in order to secure the favor of his people.
The Architecture of The Temple Of Literature Hanoi:
The Temple of Literature, which is enclosed by a historic brick wall, spans approximately 54000 square meters and features five courtyards in various designs. The entire region is divided into many primary segments, which are explained below.
1. The First Courtyard - Dai Trung Mon:
Taking your feet over the first courtyard's large gate (the Great Middle Gate), you will find yourself among a variety of greens, leaving the noise and bustle of Hanoi.
The gates on the left and right sides are known as the Virtue Gate and the Talent Gate, respectively, and represent the King's intention that pupils would get a quality education here.
Suddenly, you may observe a fish sign on the top of the gate. According to legend, God hosts an annual fish competition, and the winner will be converted into a mighty dragon after leaping over the fiercest waves to the other side of the waterfall.
Actually, that fish symbolizes a student. Only by studying hard and working tirelessly can he be knowledgeable and clever enough to pass all of the examinations and become a government official.
During that time, pupils learned about Confucius' philosophy, literature, and Chinese culture. There were three rounds: the regional exam (Hương), the national exam (Hội), and the royal test (Đình), which was held one year after the former. If someone was not lucky or skilled enough, he would have to wait another three years to take the exam.
2. The Second Courtyard - Khue Van Cac:
Khue Van Cac, the Pavilion of Constellation, is a well-known Hanoi icon that appears on the reverse of the 100,000 Vietnam dong banknote. This one-of-a-kind architectural masterpiece was completed in 1805 and has four white-washed stone stilts.
Khue is the brightest star in the sky, and the constellation is formed like the Chinese character for "Literature". It suggested a desire for affluent and sophisticated schooling. Inside the courtyard, a thousand-year-old bronze bell hangs from the roof and is only rung on special occasions.
3. The Third Courtyard - Thien Quang Well:
The third, square-shaped patio is also known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity.
Is this square-shaped well unusual? The square represents the ground, while the circle at the top of the pavilion depicts the sky, resulting in a harmonious relationship between the two. This well acts as a mirror, absorbing the best aspects of the cosmos.
Furthermore, in addition to maintaining the Temple of Literature's peaceful ambiance, the well allowed students to view themselves and dress up before approaching the hallowed inner area.
A look over the edge of the courtyard reveals a house of stelae that is unique in the world. In one area of the courtyard, stone turtles carried massive stelae on their backs, praising Confucianism and the Emperor, writing the dynasty's ideology, and listing exam and doctor information.
There should have been 116 stelae, but only 82 exist now due to conflicts. The turtles' shape and size revealed details about the dynasty's architectural style.
Why turtles? The explanation is that in Vietnamese tradition, the turtle is the only true animal among four holy ones: dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix. Turtle is not only familiar with Vietnamese people's mental lives, but it also represents longevity and wisdom, as seen by what it carries on its back: knowledge and successful individuals.
4. The Fourth Courtyard - Dai Thanh Mon:
The fourth courtyard, known as the "gate to great success" in Vietnamese, is notable in the complex for its red columns and wood beam ceilings hung with antique-style lanterns. It houses the beautiful House of Ceremonies and the Confucius shrine.
In the center of the sanctuary, there is a standard altar seen in each Vietnamese family's home. The altar is always placed in the center and most holy area of the home, where people revere their ancestors. There must be five essential components on the altar: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, all filled with offerings and the scent of incense.
When you visit this courtyard, don't forget to look at what represents those components!
On either side of the altar, there is a crane and turtle. They are said to be wonderful friends who share a yearning for peace and eternity.
5. The Fifth Courtyard—The Grounds of the Imperial Academy:
The fifth courtyard consists of two storeys. The bottom level has a monument of Chu Van An, a distinguished teacher and the first rector of the Imperia Academy who dedicated his whole life to Vietnamese education. There are also photographs and relics depicting Confucian education in Vietnam during the period.
The upper floor was where people worshiped the three kings who contributed the most to the foundation of the temple and the academy: Ly Thanh Tong, who founded the temple in 1070, Ly Nhan Tong, who founded the Imperial Academy, and Le Thanh Tong, who ordered the erection of the stone turtles and Stelae of Doctor in 1484.
Tips for Visiting the Temple of Literature Hanoi:
The temple is about a 15-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.
If you prefer not to walk, you can take a pedicab/rickshaw (human-powered cycle taxi).
Don't worry, it's never expensive.
Bring cash, as the ticket office does not take credit cards.
Don't arrive too late: you should spend at least an hour exploring the Temple of Literature, so be cautious of time. Another thing to keep in mind is that Hanoi becomes quite hot throughout the summer, especially in the afternoon. Unless you are willing to brave the heat, arrive in the morning!
Photography is permitted, but please be respectful: do not laugh or speak loudly in the worship area.
Hanoi is a fascinating city with many unique Hanoi attractions and sights to explore. Anyone who is interested in Vietnam's lengthy and intriguing history, or who enjoys exploring the architectural and cultural characteristics of Hanoi, should not miss the Temple of Literature.
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